Pin Shanhe

Murong Xiao was so angry he almost laughed.

"Do you think I'm a three-year-old child, so easily fooled? What twin sisters? It's clearly a complete fabrication!"

In the past, Emperor Yong would definitely have backed down.

Now that the Xuan King has returned, he has a pillar of support, and his courage has naturally increased considerably.

"Whether the Crown Prince believes it or not, it's the truth!"

"Fine, aren't you afraid that word will get out and the whole world will laugh at your Yong Dynasty for being untrustworthy and inconsistent?"

Jun Jingyan stepped forward and said, "You were clearly present when the Seventh Princess passed away that day, and you even had the Northern Dynasty's imperial physician examine her pulse to confirm her death. Does the First Prince not even trust his own people?"

Murong Xiao was momentarily speechless.

It was because the imperial physician was examining him that he relaxed his vigilance, and unexpectedly, the emperor took advantage of the situation.

At this moment, Jun Qiyuan suddenly gave him a wink.

He suddenly remembered something and quickly said, "It is said that there is a kind of medicine that can make one appear dead. It was made by a holy physician. After taking it, the heartbeat and pulse will be reduced to the lowest level, making one no different from a dead person. Perhaps you found this medicine and that's how you managed to fool her."

Upon hearing the words "Holy Physician," Jun Jingyan was startled.

Wasn't that medicine developed by Doctor Yun?

Moreover, according to popular belief, the Holy Physician is an old man in his seventies, so how could he possibly be a young girl?

Must be a coincidence!

"A person's heartbeat and pulse only stop when they die; it cannot be controlled by medicine. Your Highness, you'd better not listen to hearsay."

"I believe there's no smoke without fire. It's impossible for me to believe she's the Eighth Princess based on a story that's been buried for many years! The Northern Dynasty behind me is no pushover either."

Even if the Xuan King returns, so what?

Once war breaks out, it will inevitably lead to widespread suffering and loss of life.

In previous years, the Yong Dynasty suffered repeated defeats and its national strength was greatly diminished. Even with the Xuan King turning the tide, it was not enough to restore its vitality in just three years.

Now that the flames of war have temporarily subsided, he was certain that the Yong Dynasty emperor would not dare to easily break off relations, so he simply made a threat.

Taking advantage of the situation, Jun Qiyuan asked, "How can the Crown Prince possibly believe me?"

"Unless you can provide evidence to prove it!"

A minister stepped forward and advised, "I recall that when the Seventh Princess was young, she accidentally fell down the steps and hit her left arm on a sharp stone, leaving a large scar after it healed. Just check if there is such a scar, and the truth will naturally come to light."

Many veteran officials were present and remembered what happened back then.

His reminder made me suddenly realize what he meant.

The Seventh Princess was indeed seriously injured at that time, and was bleeding profusely.

The Emperor and the Imperial Concubine were extremely worried and ordered all the imperial physicians to come and treat the wound. Even after the injury healed, a scar remained.

Anyone with common sense knows that scars stay with a person for life and will never disappear on their own.

In an instant, everyone's eyes were on this "Eighth Princess," waiting for her to prove her innocence.

The other party indeed looked embarrassed, "Exposing one's skin in public is really damaging to one's reputation."

Murong Xiao's tone was clearly sarcastic: "It's just an arm, not some shameful place. I bet you're just too scared to do it."

The others looked at the woman with a hint of suspicion and scrutiny.

If you have a clear conscience, why hide it?

A hint of grievance flickered in the woman's eyes, and her voice trembled slightly.

"Father, I was implicated by the rumors about twins and forced to live outside the palace for many years. I've finally returned, but people are still speculating about my identity. You must do justice for me!"

Emperor Yong said helplessly, "Since things have come to this, just roll up your sleeves and prove your innocence."

"You can see it, but I must make this clear beforehand: if my daughter doesn't have that scar, and someone tries to use it to cause trouble or question my identity in the future, what should I do then?"

"I will definitely stand up for you and show no leniency!"

Murong Xiao's heart was filled with disdain.

She's saying that to buy time while waiting for reinforcements!

Even if the King of Heaven himself came today, he couldn't save her!

He had lost his patience and impatiently urged, "If you don't act soon, don't blame me for personally examining you!"

The woman finally raised her arm slowly and rolled up her sleeves.

The skin was smooth and flawless, without a single scar or birthmark, so clean that not a single blemish could be found.

Murong Xiao's pupils suddenly contracted as he stared intently at the severed arm, almost as if he wanted to poke a hole through it.

Jun Qiyuan was also somewhat incredulous.

This is impossible!

He had seen that scar with his own eyes, so how could it have disappeared?

At this moment, he couldn't help but waver.

Could it be that the other party is not Jun Anning, but someone else entirely?

Finally, Emperor Yong announced in the court that Princess Jun Ning'an would be recognized as a member of the imperial clan.

All the ministers in the hall knelt down and kowtowed.

"Welcome back, Eighth Princess! Long live Your Highness!"

Murong Xiao watched this scene unfold, his face ashen, his fists clenched, but he couldn't utter a single word.

Although Jun Qiyuan still harbored doubts, he knew that the situation was hopeless.

Now that the other party has "proven" their identity, they won't have the opportunity to make things difficult for them anymore.

Since this path is blocked, let's try another one.

He quickly came up with a solution and said, "It is a joyous occasion that the Eighth Princess is back. The First Prince has come for a marriage alliance, so let's not let this spoil the harmony."

Murong Xiao immediately understood, a glint of light flashing in his eyes.

How could he have almost forgotten?

Whether she is the seventh princess or the eighth princess, it doesn't matter!

Did he think that by changing his identity and coming back, he wouldn't be able to do anything to her?

Today, she is destined to be trapped in her own hands!

"This is indeed great joy! I was deeply saddened that I could not marry the Seventh Princess, but now that I have the Eighth Princess, I can make up for this regret."

Upon understanding his meaning, everyone was taken aback.

Jun Jingyan immediately questioned in a cold voice, "What does the Crown Prince mean by this?"

"How can a mere noblewoman be worthy of the title of Grand Princess of the Northern Dynasty? Let alone the future Empress! Only a true princess is worthy of this prince. I beg Your Majesty to immediately issue a decree to grant us this marriage!"

Emperor Yong frowned immediately: "How can this be? The candidates for the imperial concubine selection banquet have already been decided; how can we change the decision so easily?"

"At the time, we thought there were no princesses of suitable age in the Yong Dynasty, which is why we hastily chose a candidate. Now that the Eighth Princess has returned, it is exactly what we wanted. If Your Majesty were to grant us marriage now, I would be extremely grateful. I will certainly inform my father upon my return, and wish for a marriage alliance between our two countries, so that the world may be at peace!"

These words, a mix of kindness and severity, made the atmosphere heavy again.

At that moment, a mocking sneer broke the silence of the hall.

"I never imagined the Crown Prince had such unique tastes; he's always had a preference for married women?"

Murong Xiao looked in the direction of the sound, his heart suddenly tightening.

He was initially puzzled as to why someone was so calm and composed today, not uttering a single word.

So that's what they were waiting for!

"King Xuan, what do you mean by this?"